acid reflux and starting EASY

[ambikadi]

i dont know where to begin so i guess i will let everything pour out. i had an emergency c section and my LO came into the world. as with all c section's my milk took one week to come in and i admit i went through some really bad days of crying and feeling nothing for my LO as my supply was not there and i was so tired from feeding him all the time. my milk is now in, LO is 2 weeks and one day but i think he has reflux i have read the definition in the book and he throws up after feeds and also after an hour - cottage cheese type spit up, he is very difficult to wind and what upsets me and i would like some advice about is copying strategies, as he will sometimes feed and throw up part of his meal then have activity and want to be fed again to sleep and i know that as he has thrown up his tummy cant be full. i am still going through hard days when it all seems to much, i think LO is a spirited baby wont sleep by himself takes 30 min to out down wont take the dummy, another question when should i give the dummy, sometimes i think giving it reminds him of the breast and he spits it out and crys for the breast. his night feeds are two/three and i am using a miracle blanket and at present dont open him up to feed just feed him in that, is that ok? the wind issue effects his sleep as he will wake pulling up his legs and grunting in discomfort and then i pick him up and he is wide awake and takes for ever to put down. last area where i need advice is LO loves to fall asleep whilst feeding, i try the hand trick and rubbing his back and moving my nipple and burping him but at times it is impossible to wake him and i worry he is not feeding enough. the actiivity part of his day then also gets affected as he is cranky when i wake him and crys  and crys when changing and bath time. last two questions i would llike to express so that my dear husband and mom can also feed him, but the midwives that i spoke to said i should wait till he is a month. i am sorry that i have posted what is really 101 questions and queries and i would appreciate any help or even links to topics that are of interest as i am nearing the end of my tether, at times it is still overwhelming and i know i am not over my c section.

thank u all in advance

[Samuel's mum]

Congratulations on your LO. Sorry things are tough at the moment. Things will get better. This is usually a tough time for everyone even if they don't have your difficulties. You've been through a lot and hormones are still flying around. Don't set your expectations too high.
The reason midwives say wait until you express is so you can ensure your milk supply is established and to avoid nipple confusion. I would hold off if you can but you also need to survive! Why don't you phone a helpline and get the opinion of a trained breastfeeding counsellor? If they still recommend waiting I'm sure your dh and mum can help in other ways. They could carry baby in a sling, try baby massage, give a cuddle while you go and have a hot bath or go for a walk.
Babies with reflux can seem like they're spirited but with medical care they can surprise you! If you suspect reflux you should talk to your doctor as they might be able to help you. Have a look at the colic, reflux, crying board which is in the 'general' category. You will find a lot of people who will recognise your experiences.
At 2 weeks I would suggest you relax a bit about starting EASY. Very small babies often fall asleep when feeding. Breastmilk contains sleep-inducing hormones that encourage this to happen. You should expect him to sleep A LOT and I wouldn't wake him anymore than you REALLY need to for a feed. I personally would also say that if you feel he is certainly hungry as he has spit up then at 2 weeks I would feed him. EASY will happen. It doesn't have to be this week. Maybe wait until you've had some help with the relfux. 2/3 nightfeeds at this age is SO normal. You can certainly keep him swaddled if that works.
Come back to us.

[daisymelan]

Congrats to you and your lo.  It is a big adjustment and I had jsut as many questions as you when I first had Owen.  But you are lucky, because you have found this site very early on.  I wish I had.

First off, if you suspect reflux, discuss it with your dr ASAP.  The sooner it is diagnosed, the better.  My lo had it and I didn't know that that's what it was until it had passed.  Poor little guy.

I would also suggest holding off on the pumping for a little bit.  The first month is extra hard on the mama, but it is only one month, it will past sooooo fast, trust me.

I would suggest another tactic if your lo falls asleep at the breast.  Try breast compression to kepe your milk flowing.  The lo will likely nurse even if they are sleeping.  Feed him in his sack if you like, there is nothing wrong with that.  But our trick to keep our lo awake during night feeds so that his tummy was full, was to change his nappy midfeed.

Your los A time should consist pretty much of just a nappy change.  They sleep, cry and eat almost all the time at that age. 

If you suspect gas, perhaps try some gripe water. 

My lo would never take a dummy at that age. 

And to echo what the last poster said.  Don't stress EASY so much at that age, especially if the feeds are being spit up and you feel you need to nurse again. Do what makes you feel best, because you are mama and know best.  But remember, if they held it down for a bit, they have already absorbed all the nutrients that they need. 

It sounds like you are doing relaly well.  Hang in there... everyone gets the "mommy blues".  Things will start looking up, I found it really true around the 5 - 6 week mark. 

{{{{{hugs]}}}}}}